Matthew 2:12
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χρηματισθέντες
being warned of God
G5537
χρηματισθέντες
being warned of God
Strong's:
G5537
Word #:
2 of 16
to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
δι'
another
G1223
δι'
another
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὁδοῦ
way
G3598
ὁδοῦ
way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
11 of 16
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,Matthew 2:13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.Matthew 27:19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.Exodus 1:17But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.Genesis 31:24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.Acts 4:19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Historical Context
Dreams were a common means of divine revelation in the biblical period. God's warning protected both the magi (who might have faced Herod's wrath) and Jesus (by delaying Herod's awareness that his plot was foiled).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's communication with pagan magi demonstrate His sovereign ability to reach seeking hearts everywhere?
- When has God's guidance required you to disobey human authorities to obey His higher law?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's warning to the magi in a dream demonstrates His sovereign protection of His Son and His ability to communicate directly with seeking hearts, even among Gentiles. The magi's obedience to God's revelation over Herod's command shows proper priorities: obeying God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Their silent departure thwarted Herod's scheme, showing how God uses ordinary human obedience to accomplish His purposes.